Are you considering a move to Pittsburgh, PA? We don’t blame you. Pittsburgh has a lower cost of living compared to other major cities (not to mention a strong job market and some delicious restaurants).
However, when you are planning a serious move, there are more factors to consider–like crime rates and real estate pricing.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled all the most important aspects of life in Pittsburgh to help you decide if Pittsburgh is a good place to live.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Pittsburgh
It doesn’t matter what city you plan to move to; there will always be pros and cons. Full transparency: the pros and cons of moving to Pittsburgh are about equal, so you’ll have to see for yourself which side of this list is stronger.
Here’s what to consider before deciding on a big city to call home
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable living costs | Higher-than-average crime rate |
| Robust job market | Public transportation issues |
| Accessible healthcare | Poverty rate of 19.7% |
| Thriving tech scene | Traffic congestion during rush hours |
| Many parks and green spaces | Higher daily living costs |
| Strong sports culture | Property crime rates above the national average |
| Cultural and community events | Not fully rebounded from pre-pandemic job levels |
| Friendly and welcoming people | Socio-economic challenges |
Downtown Pittsburgh started out as more of an industrial center and has since shifted to more of a cultural hotspot. Today, the city is affordable compared to other US Cities (especially NYC), with accessible and slightly less expensive healthcare (by about 5%).
Did you know that Pittsburgh is becoming one of the best cities for people in tech? Companies like Apple and Facebook have helped create a strong job market.
With the cost of living and a job squared away, you’ll want to consider what you do in your free time. Pittsburgh’s regional parks span nearly 3,800 acres, and the sports fans have plenty of great sports teams to cheer on. From the Steelers to the Penguins and Pittsburgh Pirates, if you love sports, you’ll be in a great spot.
Overall, the people of Pittsburgh are considered to be friendly, and many of the smaller neighborhoods are close-knit and family-oriented.
However, crime rates in Pittsburgh aren’t great. You’ll find averages a little more than 24% higher than the national rate. In addition, the poverty rate is 19.7 percent, which brings additional challenges to the city.
You’ll also likely want to have your own car, as the public transportation system is known to have issues with consistency and reliability.
Safety Rating of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is not the safest city in America. However, for a large city, we see crime rates that we may expect. The violent crime rate is approximately 270 per 100,000 residents. However, it’s important to note that there are pockets within the city that boast commendable safety records. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh include
- Squirrel Hill
- Shadyside
- Highland Park
- Point Breeze
- Regent Square
- Mount Lebanon
Cost of Living in Pittsburgh
- Average monthly rent cost: Around $1,496
- Average home price: Approximately $305,000
- Average salary: About $59,000 per year
- Cost of living rating: Moderate
Cost of living is a critical consideration in choosing a place to live, and you’ll quickly realize that Pittsburgh is notable for its affordability. The city’s overall cost of living is 3 percent below the national average, making it an appealing option for those looking to cut down expenses and stretch their salary just a little further.
Housing Options and Average Rent
Pittsburgh offers a range of affordable housing options. Rent in the city is a staggering 64% lower than in New York City, with the average rent price of a one-bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh’s city center hovering around $1,774.17 per month. Note that pricing outside the city center for a one-bedroom can drop below $1500 (for even more savings)
For those looking for more space, a three-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost about $2,653.33 monthly. Outside of the city center, you can expect a slightly lower rent cost, with a three-bedroom apartment costing around $1,789.17 per month.
Daily Living Costs
While rent is affordable, daily living costs in Pittsburgh are slightly higher than the national average. The biggest discrepancy we see here is grocery costs, which are about 8% higher, which can add up over time.
To give you a general idea of the costs to expect, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four tend to fall around $4,380.40.
Job Market and Employment Opportunities
Securing employment in Pittsburgh is generally easy, as the city offers plentiful job opportunities. Pittsburgh’s average unemployment rate hovers around 4%, which is right in line with the national average.
Major Industries in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh started as a steel city and has turned into a more technological city as time has progressed. Today, the city is known for its opportunities in technology, healthcare, and education. Pittsburgh’s tech and advanced manufacturing industry alone accounts for over 13% of all U.S. technology companies, employing roughly 296,000 people. Information technology and robotics are particularly active fields, with many people moving to the city to secure these jobs.
One thing that helps the Pittsburgh job market remain strong is the educational institutions located in the city. Universities like Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh are pivotal in technological advances, with many startups originating from their halls.
Employment Statistics and Job Growth
While some sectors like Transportation & Utilities, and Manufacturing have seen job gains, the labor market still has not fully rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. Leisure & Hospitality, for instance, showed a growth of 9.8% in 2022 yet still remains below pre-pandemic numbers. However, the overall trend is positive in Pittsburgh at this time.
Things to Do in Pittsburgh
Outside of crime rates, costs of living, and real estate, you also need to ensure Pittsburgh has enough to do to keep you busy. You’ll find there is no shortage of activities in Pittsburgh from downtown festivals to world-class productions in the Cultural District; there is plenty to do in Pittsburgh.
Cultural Attractions and Museums
Some cultural attractions and world-class museums in Pittsburgh include the Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. In addition, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall provides an array of performances throughout the year.
Outdoor Activities and Green Spaces
Pittsburgh has three seasons that allow for outdoor activities and the use of public parks and recreation centers. At Point State Park, the three rivers offer boating and picnicking opportunities, while Mount Washington provides stunning views of the city’s skyline and ample hiking trails.
Transportation and Commuting
Although Pittsburgh is set up with a bus system and a light rail, known as ‘The T,’ residents say it’s not the easiest city for commuting. You’ll find that there are often delays related to weather or staffing, and it’s not as simple to get around as it is in NYC.
Public Transportation Options
The Pittsburgh public transportation system is evolving. Bus routes are being reassessed, and new travel patterns are being implemented. The light rail provides free rides to the downtown area. In addition, they have implemented tools like the Ready2Ride app and the Transit app to help you plan a better route.
Pittsburgh has some congestion, so there will be traffic during rush hour like any other big city.
Best Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh
Family-Friendly Areas
Neighborhoods like Point Breeze, Swisshelm Park, and Squirrel Hill are known for their family-friendly environments. They have good schools, a little less traffic, additional parks, and a community feel.
Vibrant Areas for Young Professionals
For young professionals, areas like Lawrenceville, the Strip District, and Bloomfield offer a dynamic living experience. These spots have a mix of art, nightlife, dining options, and plenty of walkability.
Summary
Planning a move to Pittsburgh? If you need to downsize or store your belongings while you find the perfect home, consider Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace with affordable self-storage options right in your Pittsburgh neighborhood. With Neighbor, you’ll find pre-vetted storage hosts in all of these neighborhoods, and when you are settled into your new space, you can become a Neighbor host and make up to $294 per hour worked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pittsburgh Affordable Compared to Other Big Cities?
Yes, Pittsburgh is affordable compared to other big cities, with the cost of living 3 percent lower than the national average and notably less expensive than cities like New York City, especially regarding housing and rent.
What Are the Major Job Sectors in Pittsburgh?
The major job sectors in Pittsburgh are technology, healthcare, and education
Are There Good Neighborhoods for Families in Pittsburgh?
Yes, Point Breeze and Squirrel Hill are great neighborhoods for families, with access to parks and quality schools.
